Industry Overview - The aluminum-coated film is a composite material formed by depositing a thin layer of aluminum on the surface of plastic films, enhancing barrier properties, light reflection, and anti-static capabilities [1][3] - The market for aluminum-coated films in China is projected to reach approximately 14.938 billion yuan in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 23.29% [1][13] - The demand for high-quality packaging is increasing due to consumer upgrades and government support for green packaging materials, leading to rapid penetration in food, pharmaceutical, and electronic sectors [1][13] Production Process - The production process of aluminum-coated films includes several steps: substrate unwinding, vacuum pumping, heating evaporation boat, aluminum wire feeding, vapor deposition, cooling, thickness measurement, flattening, and rewinding [5][6] - The aluminum is evaporated at high temperatures (1300-1400°C) in a vacuum environment, allowing aluminum molecules to deposit on the plastic film surface [5][6] Industry Chain - The upstream of the aluminum-coated film industry includes raw materials (PET, BOPP, CPP films, aluminum wire) and equipment (vacuum coating machines, substrate treatment systems) [7] - The downstream applications encompass electronics, construction, packaging, and automotive sectors, with significant usage in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic packaging [7][10] Market Trends - The aluminum material production in China is expected to grow from 45.546 million tons in 2018 to 67.831 million tons in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.86% [9] - The packaging industry, a crucial pillar of the national economy, is projected to grow from 970.34 billion yuan in 2018 to 1.195 trillion yuan in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.53% [10] Key Companies - Major companies in the aluminum-coated film industry include Shanghai Yongchao New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., Qingzhou Jinqingyun New Materials Co., Ltd., and Zhejiang Changyu New Materials Co., Ltd., among others [15][16] - Zhejiang Changyu New Materials Co., Ltd. has an annual production capacity of 100,000 tons of various vacuum aluminum-coated films and is a key player in the market [17] Development Trends - The industry is focusing on high performance, with advancements in materials and processes to enhance barrier properties and meet the demands of food and pharmaceutical sectors [21] - Green and eco-friendly practices are becoming central, with a shift towards biodegradable materials and low-temperature coating processes to reduce environmental impact [22] - The trend towards smart manufacturing is reshaping production and service models, integrating IoT and AI for real-time monitoring and optimization of coating processes [23]